2013 volkswagen touareg Model Overview

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This midsize SUV is considered by many to be the jewel in Volkswagen’s SUV/Crossover lineup, and with good reason. It looks great, offers a range of powerful engines, and offers great fuel-saving options, with both a TDI engine and a full hybrid engine available.

With great towing and driving power linked to an eight speed automatic transmission which provides quite a smooth ride, along with a luxurious interior and attractive exterior styling, the Volkswagen Touareg can compete with just about any luxury midsize SUV that’s on the market today. It doesn’t have quite the pedigree of some of those other luxury brands, although you may feel that it’s priced like one, but once you get behind the wheel of the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg, that level of superficiality is likely to melt away in the face of this seriously well-put together midsize SUV.

A couple of realistic downsides to the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg is that it lacks third row seating and the hybrid model doesn’t save you quite as money as you might expect, but if these aren’t big issues for you, this is a great vehicle for you to consider.

The 2013 Volkswagen Touareg comes in three trim levels: The Sport, the Lux, and the Executive. Within each trim you have the choice of the V-6 engine or the TDI. The Hybrid comes in a single trim level, and while it doesn’t get as great gas mileage as some hybrids, the supercharged V-6 engine packs quite a bit of punch.

New For 2013

The Volkswagen Touareg underwent some meaningful changes just a couple of years ago, so there are only a few updates to the 2013 model. The most significant changes you’re likely to notice are that eighteen inch wheels are available, and there’s about a 15 horsepower bump with the diesel engine. In addition, the Hybrid now features wood interior trim, with LED taillights standard.

Exterior

Some larger Volkswagens don’t always seem to look quite right, almost as if they’re just stretched out to meet the needs of the model. The Touareg is not one of these. It’s a Volkswagen that has really grown into the shape and style you would expect to see in a midsize SUV. The result is a car that could easily fit in with any of the high class luxury models on line at the valet. The Sport trim exterior comes with a roof rack, rear spoiler and privacy glass, with 18 inch alloy wheels and a manual flip-up liftgate window and rear power liftgate door. The Luxury model comes with a power glass sunroof, privacy glass and 19 inch alloy wheels, while the Executive model bumps you up to 20 inch wheels. Exterior color options are somewhat muted, and range from Black Uni to Canyon Gray Metallic to Pure White and Night Blue Metallic.

Interior & Cargo

It’s a little bit disappointing that there’s no third row seating in the Touareg, but that fact also allows for plenty of space in the interior, with 41.4 inches of front leg room and 32 cu. ft. of cargo capacity with all seats in place. With the split-folding rear seatback folded back, that cargo capacity doubles to 64 cu. ft. You’ll also find a somewhat unexpectedly luxurious interior in all models. The Sport model features leatherette bucket front seats that are eight way power adjustable and multi-level heating, with reclining rear seats, power accessories, a rear view camera and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio, and cruise controls on the wheel. Additional features include leather and alloy trim, dual zone climate controls and extended cabin heating. Entertainment features include DVD player and video monitor, eight speaker AM/FM stereo with CD player and iPod integration, satellite radio, USB connection, and Bluetooth capability. A voice direction navigation system is optional. The Luxury trim upgrades you to ten way power seats with power adjustable lumbar support and memorized settings for three drivers.

Safety

Of course, safety is always important when it comes to an SUV, and you’ll find some great safety features on the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg, starting with the lighting system. The Touareg has Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, adaptive and self-leveling headlights, cornering lights, fog lights, daytime running lights. You’ll also find a full set of airbags, front and rear and dual front side mounted airbags. For brake safety, you’ll find emergency brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, front and rear ventilated disc brakes, and a four-wheel antilock braking system. There are child seat anchors and rear child safety locks, and you’ll find stability and traction control, turn signal mirrors and tire pressure monitoring. For theft protection, the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg has an engine immobilizer and an alarm system.

Driving Experience

You’ll get a nice, smooth ride with the all-wheel drive 2013 Volkswagen Touareg, and of course, a big part of your experience will depend on which engine you should opt to go for, with all three linked to an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine provides a nice 280 horsepower with 266 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is a somewhat unimpressive 17/23 mpg city/highway. The Turbo Diesel model provides a much more palatable 20/29 mpg city/highway, while still offering a healthy 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. With the Hybrid model, you’ll see a fuel economy of 20/24 mpg city/highway, which seems a bit low for a Hybrid, but you’ll actually get serious power out of this engine, a possible 380 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. The towing capacity of the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg maxes out at an impressive 7700 lbs., with a maximum payload of 1287 lbs.

Key Competitors For The 2013 Volkswagen Touareg

2013 Volkswagen Touareg Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$43,945

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$28,900

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Recall ID#16V035000 - HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Consequence

An electrical short in the high voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Touareg Hybrid vehicles manufactured March 20, 2010, to April 11, 2015. The hybrid battery tray may not drain water sufficiently. If water collects in the hybrid battery tray, it may cause an electrical short in the high voltage battery.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a fitted drain valve to allow water to drain properly, free of charge. The recall began late February 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this 53B8.

Units Affected

825

Recall ID#16V170000 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Consequence

If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the securing clip and install any missing securing clips, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46G4.

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